Movements of the Thigh & Leg

Sartorius Origin

anterior superior iliac spine

Sartorius Insertion

medial surface of tibia

Sartorius Action

flexes leg at knee

flexes thigh at hip

abducts and rotates thigh laterally

medially rotates leg

Rectus Femoris Origin

anterior superior iliac spine

margin of acetabulum

Rectus Femoris Insertion

patella by the tendon

continues as patellar ligament to tibial tuberosity

Rectus Femoris Action

extends leg at knee

flexes thigh at hip

Vastus Lateralis Origin

greater trochanter and posterior surface of femur

Vastus Lateralis Insertion

patella by the tendon

continues as patellar ligament to tibial tuberosity

Vastus Lateralis Action

extends leg at knee

Vastus Medialis Origin

medial surface of femur

Vastus Medialis Insertion

patella by the tendon

continues as patellar ligament to tibial tuberosity

Vastus Medialis Action

extends leg at knee

Vastus Intermedius Origin

anterior and lateral surfaces of femur

Vastus Intermedius Insertion

patella by the tendon

continues as patellar ligament to tibial tuberosity

Vastus Intermedius Action

extends leg at knee

Gluteus Maximus Origin

sacrum, coccyx, and posterior surface of ilium

Gluteus Maximus Insertion

postterior surface of femur and fascia of thigh

Gluteus Maximus Action

extends thigh at hip

Adductor Magnus Origin

ischial tuberosity

Adductor Magnus Insertion

posterior surface of femur

Adductor Magnus Action

adducts thigh

posterior portion extends hip

anterior portion flexes hip

Biceps Femoris Origin

ischial tuberosity and linea aspera of femur

Biceps Femoris Insertion

head of fibula

Biceps Femoris Action

flexes leg at knee

rotates leg laterally and extends hip